Beyond Visibility: Why Inclusive Humanitarian Aid is a Matter of Rights, Not Pity
For decades, I’ve navigated the world as an amputee, and for the last several years, as the UN’s Global Advocate for Persons with Disabilities. My journey – from a life as a fashion photographer to one profoundly altered by a landmine in Afghanistan – has revealed a stark truth: in times of crisis, the world consistently forgets its most vulnerable citizens – people with disabilities. This isn’t simply a matter of compassion; it’s a basic issue of human rights.
The statistics are sobering. Globally, over 1.2 billion people live with some form of disability. That’s roughly 15% of the world’s population. And in conflict zones and disaster areas, this percentage increases dramatically. Yet, humanitarian responses routinely fail to adequately address their specific needs, leaving them marginalized and at heightened risk.
The Invisible Wounds of Conflict
I’ve witnessed this firsthand. In Gaza, I recently lost contact with a family I’d been supporting. Before the October 7th attacks, young Amro hadn’t left his apartment for two years, paralyzed by the fear of judgment. He’d been “forgotten,” as his father described.My visits, simple acts like cooking together and a walk for coffee, slowly chipped away at his isolation. Then, silence. Their last message – “How can we escape?” – haunts me.
This isn’t an isolated case. The trauma of conflict exacerbates existing disabilities and creates new ones. Mental health conditions, often invisible, are particularly overlooked. And even physical accessibility – providing ramps and accessible toilets - is just the starting point. True inclusion demands a deeper understanding.
Challenging the Narrative: From “Inspiration Porn” to Empowerment
A core problem lies in how we talk about disability. The media often defaults to narratives of “overcoming” or “inspiration,” reducing individuals to their impairments. I’ve repeatedly found myself asked about the incident that caused my injury, a decade in the past. Would a journalist ask a CEO about their biggest failure from ten years ago? Of course not. I want to discuss my work, my advocacy, my vision for a more inclusive world.
This pressure to appear endlessly resilient is damaging. during my work in humanitarian zones, I’ve encountered “injury lists” handed out before introductions – “amputee,” ”facial injury.” I destroy them. I want to know about the families who make you laugh, who overfeed you, who keep you up at night. These are the stories that reveal humanity, not just disability.
(Image: UNDP Ukraine/Giles Duley – Bomb-sniffing deminer dog Patron and owner Mykhailo “Misha” Iliev, with Giles Duley, UN Global Advocate)
Beyond Accessibility: Addressing Systemic barriers
Women with disabilities face a double burden of discrimination. They encounter limited access to essential facilities like toilets and experience heightened stigmatization. Mothers caring for children with disabilities might potentially be unable to access aid themselves. These are systemic issues requiring targeted solutions.
The key is to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.Disability is not monolithic. We must understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with diffrent impairments, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic circumstances.
A Call to Action: Equal Chance, Not Just Sympathy
My own recovery has been a testament to the power of support.I now live a full and independent life, traveling the world and pursuing my passions. But this shouldn’t be exceptional; it should be the right of every person with a disability.
This requires a shift in mindset. We need to see people first, not their disability. We need to provide the necessary support – assistive devices, accessible infrastructure, inclusive education, and employment opportunities – to empower self-determination.
I recall photographing a seven-year-old boy in Afghanistan who had lost a leg to a landmine. I thought, “Why should he have to endure the same struggles I face daily?”
My work is driven by the hope that it can prevent even one child from experiencing that pain. That one child has the opportunity to live in peace, to rebuild their life, to reach their full potential. That is a life worth living, and a future worth fighting for.
My dream is simple: that everyone has the same opportunity I had. Let